Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Under the general direction of the Manager, Forest Tenure Section, supports the development and implementation of Ontario's forest tenure and pricing systems; and supports the development and implementation of Ontario's strategy and position in national and international trade matters pertaining to forestry. Conducts analyses on (potential) economic impacts of (proposed) forest tenure and pricing polices and trade strategies and positions, as well as impacts existing or proposed trade remedies and agreements. Key technical contact with Ontario's legal counsel on trade matters, other Ontario Ministries, other provincial governments, the federal government, and industry stakeholders with respect to implementing the softwood lumber agreement and/or trade disputes.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Develop and provide information and advice on the development and implementation of forest tenure and pricing policies
• Research and analyze policy approaches to forest tenure and timber pricing to support the goals of Ontario's forest tenure modernization initiative/
• Conduct research and analysis to support the design and implementation of Crown timber pricing system for Ontario.
• Liaison with counter parts in other provinces and other jurisdictions on approaches to forest tenure and timber pricing and develop reports and advice on lessons learned in other jurisdictions.
• Research and analyze approaches to the evaluation of forest tenure and pricing in Ontario and provide advice to the Section Manager.

2. Develop and provide market, trade and economic information related to international trade issues such as the softwood lumber dispute/agreement by:
• Monitoring industry capacity and production responses to changes in the market driven by trade issues.
• Verifying regional quota volume calculations and export data;
• Monitoring and forecasting market and trade performance and responses by industry;
• Obtaining relevant and timely information from the internet and other sources, including federal government websites;
• Keeping abreast of information on current developments and issues nationally and internationally related to forest management and softwood lumber, by researching primary/secondary sources and conducting/reviewing trade and pricing studies, and attending conferences, symposia and meetings with the forest industry;
• Researching, monitoring and analyzing provincial programs affecting the forest industry to determine reporting and notification requirements; preparing and submitting notifications;
• Liaising with other Ontario Ministries, federal and other provincial government agencies to resolve inconsistencies, as well as appropriate industry stakeholders.

3. Provides input, and/or plans, organizes and conducts economic analyses on policies and issues affecting specific industry and product sectors, by:
• Analyzing the potential impact of proposed forest tenure and pricing polices on the forest industry in particular and on Ontario's economy in general;
• Analyzing the impact of changes in softwood lumber trade on the forest industry, in particular and on Ontario's economy in general;
• Conducts analysis on natural resource pricing systems and pricing studies in a variety of trade jurisdictions to develop benchmarks;
• Evaluating the impact of various policy options using economic analysis techniques; and
• Planning, organizing and conducting economic research studies, on an as needed basis.

4. Assist with policy-related duties, as directed, by:
• Preparing feasibility studies, policy analysis, background materials, and economic and statistical
reports;
• Preparing briefing notes, memos and correspondence for the senior management; and
• Contributing to the policy development process on an as needed basis.

Knowledge :

Position requires a high degree of understanding of economic theory with particular emphasis in the areas of economics and financial analysis as normally associated with a degree in business or economics to provide information and expert analysis.

Position requires knowledge of forest tenure and timber pricing systems, competitive markets, and the factors that influence the value of forest resources

Position requires knowledge of international trade flows, trade issues and trade remedy processes, with particular focus on U.S. Canada trade disputes relating to forest products trade to provide advice and analysis of industry trade response and analysis of government policy effects on trade issues.

Position requires expert knowledge of computer applications including data compilation, data analysis and modeling tools.

Position requires knowledge of program related legislative and regulatory policy framework and government decision-making processes.

Position requires worker responsibilities as outlined in the OH&S Act.

Skills :

Position requires excellent analytical skills to provide accurate interpretations and expert recommendations with respect to proposed provincial and federal policy impacts on Ontario's forest industry.

Position requires excellent computer literacy skills including ability to use computers / software for analysis, developing spreadsheets and managing data, and preparing presentation material.

Excellent written skills to prepare summaries of research and findings, and reports.

Good communication skills and interpersonal skills (e.g. judgement, tact and diplomacy) are required for interaction with stakeholders, provincial and federal government agencies to prepare evaluate and present policy options, to respond to stakeholder input, and to advise senior management on appropriate course of action.

Position requires work practice skills to function both independently and in a team.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working within Ministry standards, policies, guidelines and directives.

Job exercises considerable latitude in setting the approach to deliver duties and responsibilities.

Job requires significant and ongoing interface with Ministry staff, staff from Ontario ministries, and staff from, federal and other provincial government agencies.